Resisting Injustices: A Duty To Uphold Freedom And Liberty

The phrase when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty is commonly misattributed to Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence. While Jefferson did believe in rebellion and wrote letters expressing similar sentiments, there is no evidence that he ever said or wrote this exact phrase. The first known attribution to Jefferson was in 2006, although the saying has been in circulation for decades. The expression has also been credited to other famous figures such as Nelson Mandela, but its true origin remains uncertain. Despite the uncertainty surrounding its authorship, the quote captures some of the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence, which asserts the right of the people to throw off a government that becomes destructive of their unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The right to abolish a destructive government

The notion that "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" captures the sentiment of the Declaration of Independence, which asserts the right of the people to overthrow a government that fails to secure their unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This right is not to be taken lightly, as the Declaration recognises the importance of stability and cautions against changing long-established governments without just cause.

However, when a government becomes destructive, as outlined in the Declaration, it is the right and duty of the people to resist and abolish it. This idea has been a rallying cry for resistance movements throughout history and continues to inspire those fighting for freedom and justice today.

Thomas Jefferson, often misattributed as the originator of this concept, did write extensively about the spirit of resistance. In 1787, he wrote, "The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive... I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere." While Jefferson never expressed the idea in the same pithy way, his writings and principles have contributed to the foundation of American liberties.

The right to institute a new government

The phrase "When injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is often misattributed to Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the United States' Declaration of Independence. However, there is no evidence that he ever said or wrote this phrase.

The phrase captures some of the ideas that Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence, which states:

> "...when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

This right is not to be exercised lightly, as the Declaration acknowledges that prudence dictates that long-established governments should not be changed for minor reasons. However, when a government consistently abuses its power and acts in ways that infringe on the freedoms and rights of its people, it is the right and duty of the people to resist and overthrow that government.

The Declaration of Independence was a call to action for the American settlers, who sought to break free from the rule of the British and establish a new nation founded on the principles of unity, freedom, and the protection of individual rights. By declaring their independence and establishing a new government, they were able to create a society governed by common rules of law, rather than by the whims of individual rulers. This act of resistance laid the foundation for the United States of America and shaped the country's commitment to self-government and freedom.

The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

The phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is often misattributed to Thomas Jefferson, the author of the United States Declaration of Independence. While Jefferson never used this exact expression, the sentiment it conveys is reflected in the Declaration's assertion that when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government.

The Declaration of Independence, drafted by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, includes the famous phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This phrase, which appears in the second paragraph of the first article, is one of the three unalienable rights endowed by the Creator, which governments are created to protect.

The phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" has been widely referenced and seen as an inspiration for the basis of government, although it is not legally binding. It gives all individuals the right to life, freedom from slavery or oppression, and the pursuit of happiness, which is more than just chasing a fleeting feeling. This "pursuit of happiness" encompasses the idea of human flourishing and transcends narrow nationalisms and tribalisms. It includes the well-being of our fellow humans and the responsibility to care for our planet.

The inclusion of "the pursuit of happiness" in the Declaration of Independence is significant because it recognizes that happiness is not just an individual pursuit but a matter of government and public policy. It is listed alongside "life" and "liberty" as qualities of existence, and governments have a role in ensuring these rights for all citizens. This understanding of happiness as a public concern has profound implications for social justice and the role of government in promoting the general welfare.

The phrase "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" has had a lasting impact on the understanding of human rights and the role of government. It has influenced state constitutions, court interpretations, and debates around issues such as slavery, equality, and abortion rights. It continues to be a source of inspiration for those seeking to uphold the rights and well-being of all individuals.

The right to consent to the government

The phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is commonly misattributed to Thomas Jefferson. While he did author the Declaration of Independence, and the phrase captures some of the ideas expressed therein, there is no evidence that he ever said or wrote this specific statement.

The Declaration of Independence asserts that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. It also establishes the right of the people to alter or abolish any government that becomes destructive of the ends of securing their rights, holding that it is their right and duty to throw off such a government.

In a democratic society, the right to consent to the government is typically exercised through mechanisms such as free and fair elections, where citizens can choose their representatives and hold them accountable. It also encompasses the right to participate in the political process, engage in open debate, and petition the government for redress of grievances.

In conclusion, the right to consent to the government is a fundamental tenet of democratic theory and practice. It empowers citizens to shape the policies and principles that govern their lives and holds leaders accountable to the people they serve. By recognising the right to consent, societies safeguard their freedom, protect their rights, and ensure that their governments remain responsive to their needs and aspirations.

The right to rebel against tyranny

The phrase "when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty" is often misattributed to Thomas Jefferson, the principal author of the United States Declaration of Independence. However, there is no evidence that he ever said or wrote this exact phrase. The first known attribution to Jefferson was in 2006, although the saying has been in circulation for decades.

The phrase captures some of the ideas that Jefferson expressed in the Declaration of Independence, which states that when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under "absolute Despotism", it is the right and duty of the people to "throw off such Government".

Jefferson, who wrote the Declaration of Independence, did believe in rebellion, and some of his letters convey that sentiment. In 1787, he wrote, "I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere."

The Declaration of Independence was a call to action for the American settlers, who sought unity, freedom, and the protection of individual rights. It was a unanimous declaration by the thirteen united States of America to separate from the rule of the British King, who they believed was unfit to be the ruler of a free people due to his repeated acts of tyranny.

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